If Naruto doesn't return her feelings, it could potentially damage their friendship. Sakura's confession might make Naruto feel pressured, and he may start avoiding her. However, if they communicate openly about it, they could potentially salvage their friendship and even grow closer in a different way. For example, they might become more honest with each other about their emotions in general.
He could be surprised and happy.
However, in other cases, Naruto could be hesitant. He might have grown so used to their friendship that the idea of a romantic relationship with Sakura is a bit overwhelming. He could take a step back and say something like 'Sakura, this is really unexpected. I need some time to think about this.' This would then lead to a more complex exploration of their relationship in the fanfiction.
In some fanfictions, a great plot twist is that Naruto has amnesia when Sakura confesses. He doesn't remember who she is or their past interactions. This makes Sakura's confession even more poignant as she has to try to make him remember and also deal with his possible rejection. Also, there could be a time - travel plot twist where Sakura from the future comes back to confess her love, which throws Naruto into a state of confusion as he doesn't understand how this could be possible.
The love potion can act as a catalyst. Naruto's feelings for Sakura, which were always there but a bit subdued, might come out full force. Sakura, who might have only seen Naruto as a friend or a teammate, now has to deal with his intense love. This could lead to her re - evaluating her own feelings for him. Maybe she starts to see him in a romantic light too, or she tries really hard to bring back the old Naruto. In either case, their relationship takes a new and unexpected turn.
It can divide the fandom. Some fans who support the Naruto - Sakura pairing might be disappointed or even angry. They may feel that the fanfiction goes against the 'canon' potential of the relationship. On the other hand, fans who like different pairings or enjoy exploring non - traditional relationships in fanfiction might be intrigued and supportive.
It can create a rift. Sakura might be hurt by Naruto's outburst and start to distance herself from him. This could lead to a period of coldness between them where they don't communicate as much.
Their relationship might make Sasuke a bit jealous at first. Since Sasuke has his own complex relationship with both Naruto and Sakura. But eventually, he could come to accept it. For their other friends like Kakashi, he would probably be supportive and give them some relationship advice based on his own experiences. Shikamaru might find it a bit of a nuisance at first, thinking it could disrupt the team dynamics, but then see how happy they are and be okay with it.
Sakura's jealousy in fanfiction can make her relationships with other characters tense. If she's jealous over Naruto in relation to another female character, she might be cold or hostile towards that character. For example, if she sees a girl getting too close to Naruto, she could lash out at the girl, creating a rift in their relationship.
Well, in the Naruto universe, Naruto's confession to Hinata would bring a lot of positive changes. Since Naruto has always been the center of attention, his relationship with Hinata would be a big deal. It would probably strengthen the bond between the Uzumaki and Hyuga clans. Also, Hinata has always been a quiet and supportive character, and with Naruto by her side, she could become more confident and play an even bigger role in the village's affairs.
Well, usually it makes their relationship more complex yet beautiful. Once Sakura realizes her love, she might become more protective of Naruto. In some fanfictions, she tries to be around him more often. Naruto, on the other hand, may be a bit shocked at first but then gradually reciprocates. This can cause a shift in the power dynamics within their group. Their friends might notice the change and start teasing them, which adds a fun element to the story. It also means that Sakura will be more involved in Naruto's life goals and they might start planning a future together in the fan - created world.